Degradable material time delay system and method
AssigneeGeodynamics, Inc.
InventorJohn T. Hardesty
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A detonating restriction plug element and method in a wellbore casing. The element includes a hollow passage in the restriction plug element that receives a detonating assembly coupled to a mechanical restraining element, and a space for containing a reactive fluid. The mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape for a pre-determined time delay due to a chemical reaction when the reactive fluid in the space such as wellbore fluids comes in contact with the restraining element. A firing pin in the detonating assembly is released when the restraining elements changes shape and releases the restraint on the firing pin. The firing pin contacts a detonator in the detonating assembly and causes a detonating event such that the restriction plug element fragments.
Claims30
A detonating restriction plug element for isolating stages in a wellbore casing
- wherein
- said restriction plug element shaped as a sphere and said restriction plug element configured to be pumped into said wellbore casing without a wireline;
- said restriction plug element configured with a hollow passage;
- said hollow passage configured to receive a detonating assembly;
- said detonating assembly comprising a detonating device coupled to a mechanical restraining element;
- said mechanical restraining element configured to react with a reactive fluid;
- said mechanical restraining element configured to restrain a firing pin in said detonating device;
- wherein,
- when said reactive fluid comes in contact with said mechanical restraining element and initiates a chemical reaction;
- said chemical reaction enables a physical property change in said mechanical restraining element for a pre-determined time delay;
- and said firing pin initiates a detonating event after elapse of said pre-determined time delay.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A detonating method, said method operating in conjunction with a detonating restriction plug element for isolating stages in a wellbore casing, wherein
- said restriction plug element shaped as a sphere and configured to be pumped into said wellbore casing without a wireline;
- said restriction plug element configured with a hollow passage;
- said hollow passage configured to receive a detonating assembly;
- said detonating assembly comprising a detonating device coupled to a mechanical restraining element;
- said mechanical restraining element configured to react with a reactive fluid;
- said mechanical restraining element configured to restrain a firing pin in said detonating device;
- wherein said method comprises the steps of:
- (1) pumping said restriction plug element into said wellbore casing and isolating a stage to block fluid communication;
- (2) fracturing said stage;
- (3) initiating a chemical reaction between said mechanical restraining element and said reactive fluid;
- (4) progressing said chemical reaction for a pre-determined time delay and changing a physical property of said mechanical restraining element;
- (5) releasing said firing pin after elapse of said time delay;
- and
- (6) initiating a detonating event.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.